The trio ensured Liverpool began the game at a relentless pace - harrying Stoke's defense when it had possession and once the ball was won back, they passed it swiftly and intricately, pulling opponents out of position with their movement.

Firmino and Lallana both had shots from range well saved by Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, before Liverpool's momentum was abruptly halted when Coutinho went down off the ball, clutching his left hamstring.

He was replaced by Ibe, and Liverpool was disjointed further when Lovren stayed down after stretching to make a block and hurting his right leg.

With no central defenders on the substitute's bench, Klopp brought on midfielder James Milner, and Lucas Leiva partnered Toure in a makeshift central defense.

But Ibe delivered Liverpool's breakthrough. Lallana latched on to a neat forward pass down the right by Milner and played the ball into the penalty area. Allen helped the ball on to Ibe, who controlled and poked the ball past Butland.

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